2016: Year in review
Recent articles
The best depictions of autism in the arts
The books, shows and movies that most accurately portray autism are those that don’t dwell on the condition.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161226-Movies-1120.jpg)
The best depictions of autism in the arts
The books, shows and movies that most accurately portray autism are those that don’t dwell on the condition.
Spectrum of color: Our favorite photos from 2016
Peruse our picks for the best science photos published on Spectrum this year.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20160803.844.1.jpg)
Spectrum of color: Our favorite photos from 2016
Peruse our picks for the best science photos published on Spectrum this year.
Quotes of the year
We took note of our favorite quotes from articles we published this year.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/20160725-bilingualism.1120.jpg)
Quotes of the year
We took note of our favorite quotes from articles we published this year.
2016’s spectrum of autism science
It’s been an eventful year, full of surprises.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/familyTies1120.jpg)
2016’s spectrum of autism science
It’s been an eventful year, full of surprises.
Young woman with autism asks: ‘Am I so different?’
A college student on the spectrum reflects on her struggles relating to others and gaining independence — and on the people who have given her hope.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161226-BachmanVP1120.jpg)
Young woman with autism asks: ‘Am I so different?’
A college student on the spectrum reflects on her struggles relating to others and gaining independence — and on the people who have given her hope.
For autism researchers, mundane moments spark ‘Eureka’ insights
Autism researchers reflect on the unusual episodes that spawned significant scientific projects.
![Illustration: A child looks up at an overhead light while less saturated figures walk around her.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/beejohnson1120.jpg)
For autism researchers, mundane moments spark ‘Eureka’ insights
Autism researchers reflect on the unusual episodes that spawned significant scientific projects.
Hot topics of 2016
These five trending topics hint at important discoveries to come.
![Heavy pill on scale](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ObesityLede.png)
Hot topics of 2016
These five trending topics hint at important discoveries to come.
Notable papers of 2016
Our picks for the top 10 papers of the year highlight leaps in our understanding of autism, as well as lingering gaps.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/8-20160510-SexDifferences-1120.jpg)
Notable papers of 2016
Our picks for the top 10 papers of the year highlight leaps in our understanding of autism, as well as lingering gaps.
From temperature to toys, strange stimuli skew rodent results
Interpreting mouse and rat behavior is tricky because of the hidden factors that can influence experiments.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161226-MouseInfoposter1120.jpg)
From temperature to toys, strange stimuli skew rodent results
Interpreting mouse and rat behavior is tricky because of the hidden factors that can influence experiments.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.